5V vs 12V LED Strips
5V vs 12V
Comparison of 5V and 12V LED strip types and their trade-offs.
The Core Difference
- 5V strips (WS2812B, SK6812): Each LED is individually addressable and consumes ~60mA
- 12V strips (WS2815, GS8208): LEDs are grouped in 3s, each group consumes ~20mA
Quick Guide
Choose 5V when:
- Building matrices or dense layouts (individual LED control)
- Powering from USB or battery
- Small projects under 3m
- You need maximum LED density (144-256/m)
Choose 12V when:
- Running strips longer than 5m
- Outdoor/permanent roofline installation
- You want to minimize power injection points
- Automotive (12V battery) applications